Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an important issue. Ireland has negotiated derogations from the nitrates directive in respect of our nitrates action plan in a series of areas linked to agriculture. These derogations are important for the expansion potential of many sectors, including the pig sector.

I will be consulting my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, to figure out a way in which we can ensure that we can give some certainty to the pig industry in this context. We have a little time to do that. Certainly, there is a need for continuity in terms of the derogation. Of course we will have to negotiate with the European Commission to ensure that can be facilitated.

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